Working with color in 2D: basics of coloristics and creating harmonious compositions

One of the most important elements of design, especially in 2D art, color has the ability to evoke emotion, convey information, and create mood. Working with color requires not only certain skills but also experience to make the design organic. It is proposed to consider the basics of perception, properties, and colors.

The basic elements of color science include color models, wheels, and hue characteristics such as brightness, saturation, and tone. You can significantly change the outcome of your work if you use each of these components correctly, as they are interconnected with each other.

Designers use RGB (adapts to screen), CMYK (used in print) and HSL (color characteristics). Once you become familiar with these models, you will be able to choose the right colors for your work to match the final format.

The combination of hues can be seen using a spectrum. It consists of primary colors (red, blue or yellow), secondary (any of your primary mixed) and tertiary. When it comes to working with hues, the color wheel is a great tool.

When you are working with colors, it is important to remember how they are arranged differently in a circle. Contrast and dynamics are created by contrasting hues. Similar shades create calmer and more harmonious combinations. The right selection of shades allows you to create harmonious images. The 60-30-10 rule, which involves using 60% of the main shade, 30% of the second and 10% of the accent shade, is a popular method. This makes the pattern complete and beautiful.

In addition, the harmony of shades and their combination should be considered. Contrasting shades can draw attention to certain elements of the image, and calmer combinations create a cozy atmosphere. Knowing how hues are perceived will allow you to control the feelings your artwork evokes.

In your artwork, you can use the perceptual characteristics of hues. For example, colors with warm hues, such as red, orange, and yellow, are usually associated with energy, joy, and warmth. On the other hand, colors with a cool hue, such as blue, green, and purple, can evoke calmness and peacefulness. With this information, you will be able to choose colors that match your ideas.

It's also worth keeping in mind cultural perceptions of hues. In some cultures, white symbolizes purity and freshness, while in others it can be associated with sorrow. So it's important to understand who yours is aimed at and what kind of environment it will be in.

Creating harmonious compositions requires not only technical knowledge, but also a sense of aesthetics. It is important for a beginning artist to practice adjusting proportions, balancing elements, and color intonation. To create a successful composition, it is necessary to take into account the rule of thirds, which helps to divide the space into harmonious parts and place accents.
Practical exercises in working with color can include experimenting with different colors and shapes, as well as creating small triptychs or panels where each element interacts with the others. In addition, you should pay attention to light and shadow, because they can significantly change the perception of color and its mood in the composition.
Working with shades in 2D design is an art that requires an understanding of the basics of color science and practice. By applying the color wheel, the basics of color science, and the principles of creating harmonious compositions, you can create eye-catching and emotionally rich projects. Be aware of the psychological impact of shades and try different combinations to determine your unique style. After all, shade is not only an aesthetic element, but also a means to convey the ideas and emotions you want to express. Explore shades, learn, and create unforgettable visual stories.